Help with a new Distributor install on a 440

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    Author Topic: Help with a new Distributor install on a 440  (Read 8934 times)

    Offline NorthWestcuda

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    Help with a new Distributor install on a 440
    « on: May 19, 2008 - 03:21:07 PM »
    I've installed my new aftermarket "read to run" distributor in the 440.  I can't get the engine to run.  It back fires through the carb and might run for 2/3 seconds.  In the process of pulling out the old distributor I "think" I remember #1 plug wire was sitting at approximately 4oclock on the distributor while looking at it from the passenger side fender. That would seem to me that it was running 180 degrees of the way you normally install a distributor in a 440.

    So, I installed the new distributor at TDC so that the rotor was sitting at around 9:30 and the #1 plug wire started there on the cap and proceeded backward ”counterclockwise” with the firing order. 

    I’ve also removed the resister, per the instructions, from the positive wire that feeds the coil.  They said to have 12 volts feed the coil.  Incidentally, I called Accel tech people and they said that was ok. The instructions also said I would need to remove the factory ignition box, which I’ve done.   

    Help anyone???

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    1973 Cuda, 440 engine
    1972 Chevy 4x4 PU stepside
    2003 Ford F-350 Diesel


    nivvy

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    Re: Help with a new Distributor install on a 440
    « Reply #1 on: May 19, 2008 - 03:47:01 PM »
    you may have the distributor in 180* backwards....
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    Offline Chryco Psycho

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    Re: Help with a new Distributor install on a 440
    « Reply #2 on: May 19, 2008 - 03:58:46 PM »
    you need to remove # 1 spark plug & bump the engine over to TDC firing for number 1 cyl and install the dist & put #1 wire where the rotor is pointed
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    Offline NorthWestcuda

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    Re: Help with a new Distributor install on a 440
    « Reply #3 on: May 19, 2008 - 06:38:04 PM »
    When I'm trying to find TDC, on the comprssion stroke, I notice that I loss all my compression and actually starts to suck in my thumb once the line on the dampner hits the "O" in timing chain marker.  I'm sure this stroke is the comprssion stroke?  Actually my dampner line is around 6:00\7:00oclock once it starts lossing compression.  Does that sound correct????

    I thought I would get compression all the way up to when the line hits the TDC mark on the timing cover marker?

     
    « Last Edit: May 19, 2008 - 07:13:39 PM by NorthWestcuda »
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    1973 Cuda, 440 engine
    1972 Chevy 4x4 PU stepside
    2003 Ford F-350 Diesel

    Offline bb71challenger

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    Re: Help with a new Distributor install on a 440
    « Reply #4 on: May 19, 2008 - 06:57:47 PM »
    Quote from: NorthWestcuda on May 19, 2008 - 06:38:04 PM
    When I'm trying to find TDC, on the comprssion stroke, I notice that I loss all my compression and actually starts to suck in my thumb once the line on the dampner hits the "O" in timing chain marker.  I'm sure this stroke that I'm sure is the comprssion stroke?  Actually my dampner line seems like it is around 6:00\7:00oclock once it starts lossing compression.  Does that sound correct????

    I thought I would get compression all the way up to when the line hits the TDC mark on the timing cover marker?

     

    Stock dampner? Sometimes they can slip and the marks might be off. CP's advice is the best. I like to put something in the plug hole and turn the engine over by hand till you know the piston is at tdc, helps to have a buddy when doing this but its not a must have. Look at your plug wires on the dist cap and the pointer side with the metal contact needs to be pointing at the number 1 terminal. Make sure you have the rotation right and the firing order. After that make sure its just a tad before tdc and it should fire right up. I also like to snug the dist down but still be able to turn it by hand with a little effort. That way you can kind of mess with it by ear before you put a light on it. Good luck.
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    Offline NorthWestcuda

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    Re: Help with a new Distributor install on a 440
    « Reply #5 on: May 19, 2008 - 07:06:02 PM »
    Quote from: bb71challenger on May 19, 2008 - 06:57:47 PM
    Stock dampner? Sometimes they can slip and the marks might be off. CP's advice is the best. I like to put something in the plug hole and turn the engine over by hand till you know the piston is at tdc, helps to have a buddy when doing this but its not a must have. Look at your plug wires on the dist cap and the pointer side with the metal contact needs to be pointing at the number 1 terminal. Make sure you have the rotation right and the firing order. After that make sure its just a tad before tdc and it should fire right up. I also like to snug the dist down but still be able to turn it by hand with a little effort. That way you can kind of mess with it by ear before you put a light on it. Good luck.

    Yes it is a stock dampner.  Are these dampners not "keyed" like the chevy's?  I've done what CP said, the rotor points to about 10oclock, thats where I have #1 on the cap.  I work the firing order back counterclockwise from there.  This was running ok when I took told distributor off.
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    1973 Cuda, 440 engine
    1972 Chevy 4x4 PU stepside
    2003 Ford F-350 Diesel

    Offline Moparal

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    Re: Help with a new Distributor install on a 440
    « Reply #6 on: May 19, 2008 - 07:14:51 PM »
    It is like Neil said. But plane simple english, try this since all distributor shafts are not set the same for #1 plugs.

    Useing a starter remote switch, and having #1 plug pulled, bump the remote with your finger over the plug hole till it pushes it off. Then look at your damper. It will be close to tdc or a bit past it. It may take a few times to get the picture in your head. Then look at where the rotor is pointing. Whatever clock it is pointing to number wise. That is your new #1 unless you move the drive. Which should actually be paralell to the cam. Put your number one plug wire there, then going counter clockwise go 18436572  have the dis snugged a bit and fire it up and like said you may have to rotate a bit to get it close. Then put the light on it. Then go for a ride and come back and say :clapping: :blah:
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    Offline NorthWestcuda

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    Re: Help with a new Distributor install on a 440
    « Reply #7 on: May 19, 2008 - 07:39:12 PM »
    Quote from: Moparal on May 19, 2008 - 07:14:51 PM
    It is like Neil said. But plane simple english, try this since all distributor shafts are not set the same for #1 plugs.

    Useing a starter remote switch, and having #1 plug pulled, bump the remote with your finger over the plug hole till it pushes it off. Then look at your damper. It will be close to tdc or a bit past it. It may take a few times to get the picture in your head. Then look at where the rotor is pointing. Whatever clock it is pointing to number wise. That is your new #1 unless you move the drive. Which should actually be paralell to the cam. Put your number one plug wire there, then going counter clockwise go 18436572  have the dis snugged a bit and fire it up and like said you may have to rotate a bit to get it close. Then put the light on it. Then go for a ride and come back and say :clapping: :blah:

    I know this should be easy, but if the dampner line is at 6:00 oclock when my finger gets pushed off for compression issues and the line is not even visable yet, what does that mean??  I'm done getting any compression when the dampner line starts coming up from 6:00 oclock to TDC "according to the timing chain marker".  This is not the first time i've done this.  I know if sounds like it though!!!!!
    « Last Edit: May 19, 2008 - 07:52:11 PM by NorthWestcuda »
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    1973 Cuda, 440 engine
    1972 Chevy 4x4 PU stepside
    2003 Ford F-350 Diesel

    Offline Chryco Psycho

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    Re: Help with a new Distributor install on a 440
    « Reply #8 on: May 20, 2008 - 12:35:39 AM »
    the damper Should be keyed unless someone left the key out
    basically there is no way it should be sucking at TDC so the damper could be way off , not the first time I have seen this , try to bring the piston to TDC using a small screwdriver to feel the top of the piston & line up the dist from there & se if ti will start
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    Offline NorthWestcuda

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    Re: Help with a new Distributor install on a 440
    « Reply #9 on: May 20, 2008 - 10:33:06 AM »
    OK, I feel like a real idiot.  No I am a real idiot. Things sure worked better when I used the correct #1 cylinder to find TDC!!!! Get my drift....... :woo: For some reason I was thinking #1 was on the passenger side instead of the driver’s side.   Thank God there aren’t more people out there like me.  I appreciate your patience with the mental guy. ……

    Ahhhhh, I’ll blame it on my WIFE.  That’s what I’ll do…… :misbehaving:   
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    1973 Cuda, 440 engine
    1972 Chevy 4x4 PU stepside
    2003 Ford F-350 Diesel

    Offline MEK-Dangerfield

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    Re: Help with a new Distributor install on a 440
    « Reply #10 on: May 20, 2008 - 11:27:31 AM »
    Ahh, you only had a one in eight chance of being right.   :lol:   :lol2:
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    Mike

    1970 Challenger - SOLD
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